UK Defense Secretary Halts Aid Drops Over Gaza, Citing Civilian Risks: Report

The UK’s Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has reportedly put a stop to British aid drops over the Gaza Strip, citing potential risks to civilians. This decision has significant implications for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

What Happened: Shapps has prevented the Royal Air Force (RAF) from participating in the aid effort over Gaza, according to people familiar with the matter. The decision was made due to concerns about the potential danger to civilians, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.

The UK, along with other allies such as the U.S., Egypt, France, and Jordan, had been working on a plan to airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza. This initiative was a response to the growing risk of famine in the region during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

However, Shapps declined to authorize the use of RAF planes for these missions, citing safety concerns. This decision follows reports of previous missions by allied forces inadvertently causing civilian casualties.

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Despite the allies’ efforts to find alternative routes for aid delivery, negotiations with Israel for the opening of land borders remain stalled. The Biden administration, frustrated with Israel’s stance, is reportedly exploring the establishment of a temporary port on the Mediterranean coast to receive supplies.

"The people of Gaza are in desperate humanitarian need and the whole of government is united in supporting aid deliveries," the UK government said in a statement. "We are doing everything we can to get far more aid in, exploring new routes and pressing Israel to open more crossings and lift restrictions," according to the report.

Why It Matters: The decision by the UK to halt aid drops in Gaza comes at a critical juncture in the region’s ongoing conflict. The UK’s move is likely to have a significant impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the risk of famine is a pressing concern.

These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region, with Israel engaging in air strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. This situation has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, adding urgency to the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration’s strained relationship with the Israeli government has further complicated efforts to address the crisis. The UK’s decision to halt aid drops underscores the challenges facing international efforts to provide essential support to the people of Gaza.

Meanwhile, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has called for the U.S. to halt its military aid to Israel, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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